Dress Dutch

Elleke van Duin,
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
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When Iris van Herpen debuted at the Paris Haute Couture Week in 2011, the international fashion press went wild. The Washington Post referred to her as ‘a Dutch prodigy with an awe-inspiring collection’, something she could only dream about in 2007, the year in which she first attended the AFW. Her futuristic leather showpieces with sweeping fish tails and huge wings made an immediate impression. She won various Fashion Awards and her creations were worn by Björk and Lady Gaga. To show the world she is capable of more than 'arty' fashion, Iris is currently working on her first prêt-à-porter collection which will be launched in March 2013. In the meantime, those wishing to sport a real ‘van Herpen’, will have to settle for a shoe by her hand, available from shoe brand United Nude.

Times when Viktor and Rolf were the only successful Dutch designers abroad are well behind us. From the moment Jan Taminiau first showcased his collection at the AFW in 2004, it was clear that he would rise to great heights and now his chic and romantic designs are renowned the world over. He still exhibits at the Couture Week in Paris - and since this year also in New Delhi - and even Dutch princess Maxima is a fan.

33-year old Alexia van Engelen’s fairy tale also begins on the Amsterdam catwalk where she debuted in 2010 with her own label Sage&Ivy. The designs are ultra feminine, sophisticated and super chic. The 2013 summer collection (Rêve) was inspired by a Ukrainian wedding and is both minimalistic and futuristic with folklore prints, fluorescent colours and a lot of bordered Analgise. With her outspoken designs Van Engle doesn’t opt for the easy option yet her collections are a huge success in the United States, France, Canada, Ukraine and Russia. In the Netherlands, her designs are available from Cobra in Den Bosch and Artishock in Eindhoven.

Getting yourself a Dutch creation is a must for every fashionista visiting our country and a lot more exclusive than wearing Chanel or Gucci. Your friends will be impressed!